2003-09-13 Felix Sturm w pts 12 Hector Velazco, Estrel Convention Centre, Berlin, Germany - WBO. Referee: Rocky Burke. Scorecards: 115-113, 116-112, 113-115. Making his first defence after being appointed champion, Velazco (159¼) took on Sturm (158¾), who came in as a late substitute for the injured Bert Schenk. Coming out in a southpaw stance before switch-hitting throughout, Sturm showed much cleverness and took an early lead despite being chased all over by Velazco. The Argentinian was just not getting enough punches off and it was Sturm doing the better work even though he was boxing on the back foot and landing with no real snap. When he had to Sturm took Velazco’s best shots and was good value for the split decision win.